Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums,
which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth.
There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment
approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease
in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and
flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.
Why is oral hygiene so important?
Adults
past the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (Periodontal
Disease), than from cavities. Three out of four adults are
affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent
cavities and periodontal diseases is by good tooth brushing
and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by
bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks
to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your
teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove
these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.
Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number
of different factors. However, the bacteria found in dental
plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your
teeth, mainly cause it. If not carefully removed by daily brushing
and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance
known as calculus (or tartar).
Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons
that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell
and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums
separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form.
As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue
and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated,
this leads to tooth loss.
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective
daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional
examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most
diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form
of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional
intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Worse still, more and more research points to the
grave systemic consequences of allowing this chronic bacterial
infection to persist in your body. Numerous medical researchers
have reported links between active periodontal disease and
numerous systemic illnesses. Heart valve damage and blood vessel
narrowing (arteriosclerosis &
clot formation), low birth weight babies and premature delivery,
elevated blood sugar in diabetics, increased incidence of respiratory
infections and other less serious effects are associated with
bacterial contamination and bacterial toxins from diseased
gums. Clearly periodontal disease is not the sole cause of
these problems but it clearly plays a role for many people.
As one well-respected physician said - "What other part
of your body would you permit to be chronically infected and
expect no consequence on your overall health?"
|
